On October 16, 2007, the President authorized the U.S. Department of
State to continue assistance to Brazil in carrying out an "Airbridge
Denial Program" against civil aircraft reasonably suspected of
trafficking in illicit drugs. In granting this authorization, the
President has determined that interdiction of illicit drug trafficking
aircraft in Brazil's airspace remains necessary because of the
extraordinary threat posed by such trafficking to Brazil's national
security. Further, the President has determined Brazil has appropriate
procedures in place to protect against the innocent loss of life in
connection with such interdiction. The Department of State, with the
support of other U.S. agencies, has the ability to continue to work with
the Government of Brazil to ensure effective counternarcotics operations
while observing strict adherence to agreed-upon and well-established
safety procedures.